Malabar Farm in Pleasant Valley was the dream of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Louis Bromfield. Today, visitors can see the house and farm existing just as they did in Bromfield's time. The outbuildings and pastures still house chickens, goats and beef cattle. The hills are ribboned with strips of corn, wheat, oats and hay while the scenic trails are adorned with nature's bounty.

Nature of the Area

The natural features of Malabar Farm are representative of the diversity of the glaciated Appalachian Plateau region of Ohio. This area is renowned for its interspersion of woodlands, lakes, streams and bogs along with villages, fertile valleys, dairy and grain farms. Located in the Pleasant Valley of Richland County, Malabar's forests and fields offer visitors a glimpse of both the cultural and natural history of the area. The rolling countryside and fertile farmlands of Malabar recreate the pleasure of life on the farm while the wooded ridgetops support an abundance of natural wonders.

Glaciers pushed up and over the hills of the area depositing rich soils in the valleys. The woodlands are diverse with beautiful stands of beech and maple along with remnant stands of eastern hemlock in the ravines. Sandstone outcroppings adorn the slopes covered with ferns and mosses. Trillium, spring beauties and wild blue phlox carpet the forest floor. The woodlands are home to the wood thrush, barred owl, fox squirrel and raccoon while the fields support populations of bluebird, red-winged blackbird, cottontail rabbit and red fox.

History of the Area

In the rolling countryside of Richland County, Louis Bromfield, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and dedicated conservationist, created his dream -- Malabar Farm. Inspired by his love of the land, Bromfield restored the rich fertility of the farmlands and preserved the beauty of the woodlands. He built a 32-room country home, where his family, friends and neighbors could share the pleasure of life on the farm.

In his book, Pleasant Valley, Bromfield wrote, "Every inch of it (the house) has been in hard use since it was built and will, I hope go on being used in the same fashion so long as it stands. Perhaps one day it will belong to the state together with the hills, valleys and woods of Malabar Farm." Bromfield's prophecy came true in August 1972, when the state of Ohio accepted the deed to Malabar Farm. The state pledged to preserve the beauty and ecological value of the farm.

Earlier that year, Bromfield's legacy to future generations came close to being extinguished. Malabar Farm, owned and operated by the Louis Bromfield Malabar Farm Foundation for 14 years, was threatened with foreclosure. But the Noble Foundation, which held the mortgage, agreed to erase the mortgage and accrued interest -- about $280,000 -- when the state of Ohio accepted Malabar Farm as a gift to the people of Ohio.

From 1972 to 1976, Malabar Farm was operated jointly by Ohio's Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture. Then in 1976, Malabar became one of Ohio's state parks. As a park, Malabar Farm is dedicated to perpetuating Bromfield's farming philosophies, preserving the Big House and its many artifacts, and providing a place where visitors can explore life on a farm and the beauty of nature.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW

GeneralLand, acres875

Water, acres3

Day-UseFishingyes

Hiking Trail, miles14

Picnickingyes

Bridle Trails, miles12

Nature Programsyes

CampingPrimative, #15

Pets Permittedyes

Horsemen Campsitesyes

WinterSleddingyes

Cross-Country Skiingyes

Ice Skatingyes

AccommodationsRestaurantyes

Meeting Rooms

The Pugh Cabin is a day-use facility for groups up to fifty people. This building can be rented for meetings and group functions from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Reservations are required.

Cabins

The Pugh Cabin is a day-use facility for groups up to fifty people. This building can be rented for meetings and group functions from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Reservations are required.

Camping

A fifteen-site horseman's camp offers primitive camping for horsepeople as well as family campers. Fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water and latrines are offered.

Fishing

Good catches of bluegill and catfish can be caught from the farm ponds at Malabar. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

A picnic area with tables, grills, drinking water and latrines is available.

Trails

There are twelve miles of trail for the hiker or horseperson to enjoy. Trails traverse scenic fields and forests.

Area Attractions

Malabar Inn Restaurant, located within the park, is a restored "stagecoach" inn built in 1820. Today, the inn is state-owned and offers home-cooked meals (click for menu), Tuesday through Sunday, May 1-October 31. The inn is also open on weekends in March and April. Group reservations are available April-December.

Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve, north off State Route 13, is a mixture of mature beech-maple forest and swamp forest. Spring wildflowers are abundant. Visitation is during daylight hours only.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

September 11grounds need much improvement by John Wilcox

The inside house tour was very nice, and the tour guide was excellent. The grounds were very shabby and the outside of house, especially the porches were very dirty and run down. The gardens were terrible and weeds around buildings need weeded. If only the main attraction was kept up as nice as the new visitor center.

Offical Guide to Ohio's Mohican Amish Country. How to get there, things to do, local merchants, what to see, places to stay. Explore Mohican State Park. Canoe the Mohican River. Tour the Amish villages of Millersburg, Berlin, Sugarcreek, Walnut Creek and more.